MINUTES OF THE INFORMAL MEETING OF THE JOHNSON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS:
MARCH 10, 2005
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Vice-Chairperson Lehman called the Johnson County Board of Supervisors to order in the Johnson County Administration Building at 6:10 p.m. Members present were: Pat Harney, Mike Lehman, Terrence Neuzil, and Rod Sullivan; absent: Sally Stutsman.
Iowa City City Manager Steve Atkins was present to update the Board on the City of Iowa City’s study efforts of an emergency communications center. Last spring a survey was done to determine whether there was interest in the possibility of a joint dispatch center. The City of Iowa City sent out a Request for Proposals and received seven respondents, which have been culled to three. Iowa City is now in the process of making a decision as to who will do the study. The RFP was for a comprehensive study of a recommended replacement and upgrade of the City’s radio communications system. As a secondary issue, the study should include the feasibility of a joint dispatch communications center with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. Atkins said that in the next two to three years Iowa City may be investing up to a million dollars in new technology with respect to the communications center. They want to find out what the best technology and policy is. Atkins said that he has had a number of informal conversations with Stutsman, who has expressed interest that the County be a participant in the study. Atkins said that the City and County need to come to an understanding as to how to proceed.
Neuzil suggested that one Board member and the County Sheriff be the County participants. Atkins said that if the County is going to participate they want the Sheriff’s input early in the process. Executive Assistant Mike Sullivan said that the Sheriff has expressed an interest in participating. R. Sullivan asked if any other entities such as the University or Coralville have been approached. Atkins said that they’ve started with the two major dispatch centers, the City’s and the County’s. The City or County provides a service to all of the other entities. Atkins said that during the study they will sit down with other entities. He explained that with the strength of mutual aid 28E agreements, there won’t be a problem getting everybody together. Neuzil said that the University might be an unknown. Atkins agreed, but added that the University and Iowa City have a very strong relationship through 28E Agreements. Lehman said that he is interested in proceeding. The Board agreed. Atkins suggested that the City pay for 60% of the consultant and the Board pay for 40%. Atkins said that they will be having an in-house review team to provide oversight of the process and would like to have the Sheriff’s involvement in that. Atkins suggested that the Board participate in selection of the consultant. The Board agreed.
Executive Assistant Mike Sullivan explained that Edward Healey has resigned from the Johnson County Historic Preservation Commission. Joan Lorge, Jay Nealson, Adam Hahn, Thomas Viner, Steve Moon, and Mark Thompson would like to be appointed for the term that begins immediately and expires December 31, 2005. The Board agreed to appoint one of the applicants at a future formal meeting.
DISCUSSION: DECLARING COPY MACHINE AT THE AMBULANCE DEPARTMENT SURPLUS PROPERTY FOR AUCTION
The Board agreed to place a motion declaring the copy machine at the Ambulance Department as surplus property to be sent to auction on a future formal agenda.
REPORTS AND INQUIRIES FROM THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Neuzil attended the Chamber of Commerce expo and Prairie Preview. Neuzil had a listening post in North Liberty. Neuzil will be attending the Iowa State Association of Counties Spring School of Instruction.
R. Sullivan had a liaison meeting with Iowa City Community School District Superintendent Lane Plugge, a Juvenile Justice and Youth Development Group meeting, Prairie Preview, and a GIS meeting.
Harney attended the Chamber of Commerce expo, Emergency Management Yearly Weather Spotter training, the Johnson County Cattleman’s Banquet, site visits with Planning and Zoning, a liaison meeting with the Shueyville City Council, and the E911 Budget Public Hearing.
Lehman attended the Johnson County Cattleman’s Banquet, Prairie Preview, and an AARP meeting.
REPORTS AND INQUIRIES FROM THE PUBLIC
Iowa City Area Sierra Club Representatives Jim Baker and Arnold Lindaman spoke against the 5 Year Road Plan improvements to Newport Road.
Adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
Attest: Tom Slockett, Auditor
By Casie Kadlec, Recording Secretary